Word
insistent
Phoneticsin·sis·tent, stress on the second syllable
US/ˌɪnˈsɪstənt/
UK/ɪnsˈɪstənt/
Definition
adj. demanding something firmly and refusing to take 'no' for an answer. You use this to describe someone who keeps asking for something or a sound that will not stop.
adj. demanding something firmly or persistently; refusing to allow any alternative. Often describes a person's manner or a repetitive, unavoidable sound.
Examples
“She was insistent that we leave the party immediately.”
“Despite my repeated excuses, the salesman was insistent that I try the new software for a week.”
“The insistent ringing of the telephone eventually broke through his deep sleep, forcing him to answer the call despite the late hour.”
Examples
simple
“She was insistent that we leave the party immediately.”
contextual
“Despite my repeated excuses, the salesman was insistent that I try the new software for a week.”
complex
“The insistent ringing of the telephone eventually broke through his deep sleep, forcing him to answer the call despite the late hour.”
Usage
Often followed by the preposition 'on' or a 'that' clause.
Pitfall
He was insistent to pay the bill
He was insistent on paying the bill
Insistent is followed by the preposition 'on' and a gerund, not a 'to' infinitive.
Real-World Examples
“I also declined to respond to a far more insistent message left on my voicemail later that afternoon.” Etymology
From Latin insistens, participle of insisto.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/insistent